Jasper Vaher and co-driver Rait Jansen, competing as part of Toyota’s development programme, were the crew to beat throughout Friday. The Estonian youngster topped qualifying earlier in the day, securing road position 22 for Saturday’s stages. On the opening test, SS1 Bråtebäcken, the Toyota duo were once again fastest, edging out Sweden’s Kalle Gustafsson and Jim Hjerpe by just 0.3 seconds.

This year’s rally began at SS Träfors, located east of Karlstad. Spectators flocked to the stage from late morning to watch free practice ahead of qualifying, with the rally atmosphere continuing throughout the day until shakedown concluded at 16:00.

Later, a vibrant crowd gathered in Karlstad city centre as the rally was officially opened with autograph sessions, driver interviews, opening speeches and all competing cars crossing the ceremonial start ramp under bright sunshine.

The action then moved to the nearby Bråtebäcken stage, where the ERC field got its first taste of the fast and flowing roads of Värmland.

In ERC1, Jasper Vaher leads the rally by 0.3 seconds from Kalle Gustafsson, with Finland’s Benjamin Korhola holding third place overnight.

Ville Vatanen leads ERC3, also by 0.3 seconds, ahead of Craig Rahill, while Aatu Hakaletho tops both Junior ERC and ERC4 after the opening stage.

Saturday features five special stages. The day begins with SS2/4 Värmskog and SS3 Stensjön before the rally heads north for the afternoon loop consisting of SS5/7 Gårdsjö and SS6/8 Colin’s.

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